If your dog has been acting different since your baby started crawling or if you're constantly on edge wondering if things are about to go sideways this episode is for you.
We’re talking I'm answering a listener question that I believe many parents can relate to. From growling at the food bowl to pacing around the baby, I’m breaking down exactly why this happens, what your dog is trying to communicate, and how toddler development plays a major role in dog behavior.
This is not just about training your dog, it’s about training yourself to understand exactly what's happening and act fast, protect, and guide everyone in your home. Without punishment. Without guilt. And without guessing.
👇 Here’s what we cover:
— The truth about toddler sensory behavior & how it triggers your dog
— Why growling is not a bad thing
— What resource guarding actually looks like (and how to handle it)
— The #1 mistake parents make with toddlers and dogs
— My exact step-by-step training plan to restore calm and create safety
Whether you’re already in the thick of it or trying to prep before baby arrives, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling clear, supported, and ready to lead.
✨ Book a 1:1 Dog + Baby Strategy Session:
I’m now offering limited spots for 1:1 online private session to help you create a safer, more structured plan for life with your dog and baby. These are fully personalized and rooted in real-life, not one-size-fits-all advice.
👉 Book your session here
(Spots are limited...I only take a 4 per month!)
🐾 Free Gift: Dog + Baby Prep Checklist
Want a free checklist to help you set your dog up for success before baby even arrives?
Message me the word “guide” on my latest post at @woofandwomb and I’ll DM it to you!
📖 Resource Mentioned: Dog Body Language Book
If you want to get better at reading your dog before things escalate, this is the book I always recommend:
👉 Doggie Language by Lili Chin
Is your dog’s barking already driving you up the wall and baby isn’t even here yet?
In this episode, I’m breaking down how to reduce barking before your baby arrives, why it matters for your postpartum sanity, and what you can start doing right now to set your dog (and yourself) up for success.
Whether it’s barking at the door, whining for attention, or just non-stop noise we’re tackling it all with realistic, mom-friendly strategies you can implement today.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why barking becomes a huge issue postpartum
✔️ What’s actually triggering your dog’s barking
✔️ Simple, low-effort ways to reduce barking during pregnancy
✔️ What not to do (and why yelling “no” doesn’t work)
✔️ How to prep your dog for a peaceful postpartum environment
🔗 Free Resource Mentioned:
Grab my FREE Dog + Baby Prep Checklist to help you start creating a calmer, safer, more structured home for your dog before your baby arrives.
➡️ Get it here!
⸻
📲 Stay Connected:
Let’s keep this conversation going!
Follow me on Instagram for more dog & baby prep tips, behind-the-scenes support, and free resources:
➡️ @woofandwomb
If this episode helped you, share it with a mom friend, leave a review, and don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss an episode.
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Bringing your baby home is exciting but it can also be overwhelming if you have a dog waiting at home too!
In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to introduce your dog to your new baby safely, calmly, and without the chaos.
We’ll cover the biggest mistakes parents make, what you should do instead, and how to set up your dog (and yourself) for success from day one.
Ready to feel confident about the first meeting? Let’s dive in.
FREE Dog and Baby Prep Checklist: Click here
Follow and message me on Instagram: Click here
Bringing a baby home soon and not sure where to start with your dog?
In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple but powerful ways to prepare your dog for your new baby , even if you’re short on time and feeling overwhelmed. These aren’t just obedience tips ,they’re practical, real life strategies to help you create a calmer, safer postpartum experience for everyone in your home.
Whether you're pregnant with your first or already juggling life with toddlers and a pup, these dog and baby prep tips will help you feel more confident, capable, and ready for what’s ahead.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “place” training is postpartum gold
How to create peaceful separation (without guilt)
The overlooked baby gear exposure tip every dog owner should know
And what you, mama, can do now to make this transition smoother
✨ Plus, grab my free guide:
“31 Questions to Ask Before Baby Comes”
Follow me on the 'gram:
Today we’re covering:
-the number one mistake dog owners make when preparing for the new baby
-what you need to focus on with your dog instead
-and more
🐶✨Ask me anything coaching!
Want me to answer your specific question on the next podcast? Fill out this Google form, I’ll explain your specific issue on the on upcoming episode!
https://forms.gle/QDF73aEADGvq9mix9
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE: Is your dog ready?
https://theleap.co/@WoofandWomb/email_capture/dog-and-baby-prep-checklist
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/woofandwomb
✨leave a review on our podcast!
-Take a screen shot of your review and send it, and I’ll send you something cutesy in the mail:)
Dara.petrarca@gmail.com
Today we cover:
-Why preparing your dog is not optional
-How your dog’s behavior can affect your postpartum experience (yes, even your healing)
-Real-life examples of what goes wrong when people skip this step
-Mindset shifts to start making now
-What your dog really needs before baby arrives (it’s not just more treats)
-How this pivot came to be
-What to expect from the new direction of my content, support, and offerings
GRAB YOUR FREEBIE: Is your dog ready?
Follow me on Instagram:
✨leave a review on our podcast!
-Take a screen shot of your review, write down any question you have regarding your dog and baby and I’ll cover it on an upcoming podcast episode! It’s like a virtual dog training session made for you!
Today’s episode dives into what to do if you’re feeling fear of birth and\ or pregnancy. Dara offers practical tips and intuitive insights to help you prepare your mind for birth, an often overlooked part of the birth plan. Tune in and comment your thoughts!
Get the Empowered Birth Mindset Guide:
https://theleap.co/@theautonomousdoula/email_capture/the-birth-mindset-guide
I’d love to share your experience on the next episode!! Submit here to be a guest!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpciJSBAtpsNVNS6ngcUqtBTeaG9k0lQ7Xlid70lD0SWNm9w/viewform
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theautonomousdoula
✨leave a review on our podcast!✨ and I’ll send you a gift in the mail 💌
-Take a screen shot of your review and send it
Dara.petrarca@gmail.com
Today’s episode dives into Dara’s free birth story as a 4th time mom’s freebirth. She explains why she chose free birth, what brought her to make this decision and the challenges her decision brought her.
Warning: this episode contains stories of suicidal thoughts and depression. Skip this episode if this will be triggering for you.
I’d love to share your experience on the next episode!! Submit here to be a guest!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpciJSBAtpsNVNS6ngcUqtBTeaG9k0lQ7Xlid70lD0SWNm9w/viewform
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theautonomousdoula
Get the FREE empowered birth mindset guide:
https://theleap.co/creator/theautonomousdoula/email_capture/the-birth-mindset-guide/
✨leave a review on our podcast!✨ and I’ll send you a gift in the mail 💌
-Take a screen shot of your review and send it
https://Dara.petrarca@gmail.com
Hello! On today’s episode we talk about how and why you should avoid telling your loved one your due date IF you want to avoid any stress that might cause! Maybe it’s just me, but this part of pregnancy always stressed me out!! Take a listen and don’t forget to let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments!
I’d love to share your experience on the next episode!! Submit here to be a guest!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpciJSBAtpsNVNS6ngcUqtBTeaG9k0lQ7Xlid70lD0SWNm9w/viewform
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theautonomousdoula
✨leave a review on our podcast!✨ and I’ll send you a gift in the mail 💌
-Take a screen shot of your review and send it
https://Dara.petrarca@gmail.com
Today’s episode, we dive into my personal experience of my first pregnancy with an OB vs my second pregnancy with a midwife! Take a listen and let me know what you think!
I’d love to share your experience on the next episode!! Submit here to be a guest!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpciJSBAtpsNVNS6ngcUqtBTeaG9k0lQ7Xlid70lD0SWNm9w/viewform
Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theautonomousdoula
✨leave a review on our podcast!✨ and I’ll send you a gift in the mail 💌
-Take a screen shot of your review and send it
